How to Make an Inexpensive Saddle Chair

Prepare the Stump

• 1

  Decide the desired height and width for your saddle chair. For a dining chair height, select a stump that is 18 to 20 inches tall. For a bar stool, look for a stump that is about 24 inches in height. The width should be about that of the width of the saddle seat -- you want a snug fit. To ensure your stump is wide enough to support your saddle, bring the saddle with you to the hardware store or lumberyard. The width of an average adult saddle seat is 15 inches, so the stump should be about 12 inches in diameter for the saddle seat to fit comfortably over the stump.

• 2

  Purchase a tree stump that fits your measurement specifications. Ordering a stump at your local store is wise if your height and width requirements are unusual.

• 3

  Allow your tree stump to dry before converting the stump into a saddle chair. If your stump is freshly cut, store it in a covered and dry location for about six months before proceeding.

• 4

  Round off the edges of the top of the stump with an angle grinder. The top should be smooth and flat, with rounded edges help the saddle fit closely to the stump.

• 5

  Use sandpaper to further smooth the circular sides of both the top and bottom of the stump.

• 6

  Use a paintbrush to apply two to three coats of polyurethane to the top and bottom of the stump to seal the wood. Allow each coat of polyurethane to dry completely before painting the next coat.

• 7

  Leave the bark around the length of your stump natural, or apply spray paint directly to the bark if you desire a colorful chair.

Saddle Placement

• 8

  Measure the diameter of the top of your stump. Mark two equidistant points on opposite sides of the stump using tape. This is where you will secure the saddle to your stump.

• 9

  Arrange the saddle to sit comfortably on the stump you prepared.

• 10

  Use the leather fenders on the sides of the saddle to secure the saddle seat to the stump. The leather fenders are the large leather straps that hang from the saddle and attach to the stirrup. On the right side of the stump, pull the fender taut and drill into one of your equidistant marked points. Repeat in the left side of your stump to secure the girth to the stump.

• 11

  Secure the saddle further to the stump by placing screws in 1-inch intervals down the middle of each fender.